The mission of the New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) is to promote sustainable forestry practices and improved stewardship on privately owned woodlands in New York State. NYFOA is a not-for-profit group of people who care about NYS trees and forests and are interested in the thoughtful management of private forests for the benefit of current and future generations.

Through local chapter and statewide activities such as woods walks and tours, the bi-monthly New York Forest Owner magazine, and affiliation with other organizations with similar objectives, NYFOA helps woodland owners to achieve their management objectives for their properties and encourages the appreciation of the qualities and importance of New York’s forests.

CONGRATULATIONS!

At the February 27, 2010 Annual Membership Meeting held in Syracuse, NY Carl Wiedemann was given the Heiburg Award and Dick Patton, the Outstanding Service Award!

Carl Wiedemann is the immediate Past Chair of the Capitol District Chapter and continues to support the chapter and the state organization with dedication, enthusiasm and vision. Upon ending his term as Chapter Chair he undertook the editor role of the chapter newsletter and has made that an effective communication tool for the chapter. He also chairs the statewide Policy Committee.

Over the past year, Carl has researched the impacts of high grading, diameter limit cutting and other exploitive harvesting practices. He proposed having NYFOA and New York Society of American Foresters develop vision statements acknowledging that these practices are not sustainable forestry and that these organizations support sustainable forestry. This effort certainly supports the NYFOA mission and shows NYFOA as a leader in forestry in New York.

Carl has also been involved in several presentations on forest history in New York and in the Adirondacks through power point presentations he has developed.

For all of these efforts, Carl was selected by the Capitol District Chapter to receive its 2009 Chapter Service Award and by the state Awards Committee to receive the 2009 Heiberg Award.

Dick Patton is an active member of the Allegany Foothills Chapter and of the state board of directors. Dick has served as the AFC chairman and vice chairman, and is currently their representative to the state board of directors. He has also hosted two woodswalks on his property and is an active participant in the chapter steering committee.

As a member of the state board of directors, Dick listens respectfully to all sides of a discussion, and then offers his opinions simply and frankly. His wisdom, experience and his manner command respect from everybody. He is always willing to take on additional tasks and his leadership encourages others to follow his example.

We are very pleased to present Dick with the 2009 Outstanding Service Award.